What is a scoping opinion?

Developers may write to the county council requesting an opinion about what information should be included within an environmental impact assessment, this is called a scoping opinion.

Any application should be accompanied by:

• a plan sufficient to identify the land.
• a brief description of the nature and purpose of the development and of possible effects upon the environment.
• any information or representation from the developer.

It is recommended that a scoping opinion be requested for all applications for environmental impact assessment development.

This will help identify and focus on work on those areas which should be covered, as well as avoiding subsequent delays in dealing with the planning permission.

Advice on the content of an environmental impact assessment can be obtained from Communities and Local Government (opens in a new window).